Goodyear switches focus to Autocare

       Goodyear Thailand has stopped expanding its Eagle stores, instead promoting Autocare, its new one-stop outlet for tyre and maintenance services, says managing director Kongkiat Teekamongkol.
       The first Autocare outlet was opened at Om Yai in Nakhon Pathom on Sept 25 by Goodyear's largest dealer, who formerly ran an Eagle store.
       The facility will serve northwest Bangkok with a modern retail look, vehicle maintenance services, and a variety of products, including tyres, oil and batteries. Services will include oil and battery changes, suspension service, tyre rotation, replacement and repair, wheel balancing and alignment.
       "We're selling 3,000 tyres per month at this first outlet," said Mr Kongkiat.
       About eight to 10 outlets will be opened by the end of this year and another 20 to 30 are planned for next year. Each new outlet needs at least 3 million baht in tools and equipment, excluding building and land costs.
       "We've turned to Autocare because we wanted to freshen up the Goodyear service centres and give customers the impression that other maintenance services are provided in addition to tyre changing," said Mr Kongkiat.
       Goodyear welcomes existing dealers replacing Eagle stores with Autocare if they upgrade their outlets for a more contemporary look and service standard.New investors are also welcome.
       Goodyear provides expertise and software to help franchisees manage their businesses, sustain service quality and efficiency, achieve logistical efficiency and make a profit.
       "Autocare is a major part of our growth strategy. Through this world-class service network, we provide greater convenience and access to Goodyear products," he said.
       Autocare is already highly successful in Australia and Malaysia.
       The first Eagle store was opened in 2000 and there are now 65 Eagle locations throughout Thailand.
       A company source said Goodyear was not spurning Eagle stores because they did not perform, but rather the proven success of Autocare in Australia, Malaysia and the Philippines encouraged it to introduce the new franchise in Thailand.
       All Autocare outlets will be standardised, meaning that facilities will have the same shop design and offerings to increase brand visibility, convenience for customers and customer loyalty.
       The Autocare outlets will also help Eagle dealers earn more from providing other maintenance services apart from tyre changes.
       Autocare dealers will also have access to training modules to help them understand the business process, service standards, report analysis, technical assessment, tyres and rims, and other automotive technology.